Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates 6 Day Itinerary

6 Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary:

This itinerary balances cultural exploration with relaxation and fun, offering a taste of the city’s diverse attractions.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Abu Dhabi (AUH), transfer to your hotel. Consider these options for accommodation:
    • Luxury: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi
    • Mid-Range: Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
    • Budget: Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre, Ibis Styles Abu Dhabi, Travelodge Abu Dhabi (these are budget-friendly hotels in the city)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Corniche, a beautiful 8km waterfront promenade. Enjoy the stunning views of the Persian Gulf and stroll along the manicured gardens, beaches, and cycling paths.
    • Where to eat:
      • The Corniche Restaurant (at Emirates Palace): Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea while overlooking the picturesque beach.
      • Layali Beirut: Enjoy delicious Lebanese cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in Emirati history and culture at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Take time to admire the intricate architecture, beautiful marble work, and stunning crystal chandeliers.
    • Tip: Respect the dress code: women must cover their hair and shoulders with loose-fitting clothing, men need long pants.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a world-class museum showcasing art from across the globe and civilizations.
  • Afternoon: Relax on the pristine shores of Yas Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or water sports while soaking up the sun and the beautiful views.
    • Where to eat: Grab a quick bite at one of the food trucks on the beach or enjoy a sunset dinner at The Foundry, a popular restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline.

Day 4:

  • Morning: Explore the history of oil in Abu Dhabi at the ADNOC HQ and Oil Exhibition.
  • Afternoon: Experience the thrill of dune bashing in the desert. Join a tour or hire a driver to take you on an exhilarating ride through the sand dunes.

Things to do:

  • Explore the museum: Learn about the Emirati culture and heritage at the ADNOC HQ and Oil Exhibition.
  • Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Enjoy the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, and other exciting rides and attractions.
  • Experience the Louvre Abu Dhabi:

Day 5:

  • Relaxation: Spend the day at a luxurious spa like The Spa at The Emirates Palace or Emirates Palace Spa. Enjoy a massage, spend time in the sauna and steam room, and indulge in some pampering treatments.

  • Things to do: Explore Yas Island’s many attractions, such as:

    • Yas Waterworld: A water park with exciting rides, slides, and attractions for all ages.
    • Louvre Abu Dhabi (again): Take advantage of the “Museum After Dark” program and experience the museum in a whole new light.

  • Things to eat:

    • Emirates Palace Restaurant: Enjoy fine dining with stunning views.
    • Emirati Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like machboos (spiced meat and rice) or harees (wheat porridge) at a local restaurant.

Day 6:

  • Shopping: Explore the luxurious malls of Abu Dhabi, such as:
    • The Galleria Mall: Indulge in high-end shopping and luxury dining with a view of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
    • Yas Mall: Enjoy a wide range of international and local brands at this massive mall.

Things to do (before leaving):

  • Desert Safari: Embark on a thrilling desert adventure with dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin entertainment.
  • Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: Visit the only hospital for falcons in the world.
  • Yas Marina Circuit: Take a tour of this iconic Formula 1 race track.

Where to eat:

  • Emirati Cuisine: Enjoy delicious Emirati food at Al Fanar Restaurant, which offers an authentic Emirati experience with traditional dishes and live music.

Things to know:

  • Dress Code: Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the Grand Mosque. This means covering shoulders and knees for women and men.
  • Currency: The currency in the UAE is the Dirham (AED). Most places accept credit cards, but it’s good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or taxis.

Things to try:

  • Traditional Emirati Dishes: Explore the flavors of local cuisine by trying dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat), balaleet (sweet vermicelli dish), and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).
  • Souvenirs: Consider purchasing traditional souvenirs such as dates, Arabic sweets, spices, or spices.

Other activities:

  • Shopping: Enjoy the world-renowned shopping in Abu Dhabi, from the traditional souks to the modern malls like Marina Mall and The Avenues.

  • Culture: Immerse yourself in the Emirati culture by visiting museums, art galleries, and historical sites.

  • History: Explore the city’s rich history at the Qasr Al Hosn (the oldest stone structure in Abu Dhabi) or the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Memorial Museum.

  • Entertainment:

    • Ferrari World: Enjoy a day of thrills on the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa.

  • Yas Island Activities:

    • Yas Waterworld: Experience exciting water rides and slides at Yas Waterworld.
    • Warner Bros. World: Immerse yourself in the world of your favorite Warner Bros. characters.

  • Experience the Desert: Enjoy a traditional experience with a desert safari, camel riding, and dune bashing.

  • Yas Island: Visit the stunning beaches and enjoy the nightlife.

Other things to consider:

  • Transportation: Abu Dhabi has an excellent transportation system. You can get around by:

    • Taxi: Convenient and affordable
    • Bus: Cheap but less frequent
    • Public Taxi: A more budget-friendly option for transportation within the city.

  • Weather: The weather in Abu Dhabi is hot and humid, especially during summer. It’s best to visit during the cooler months (October - April) as temperatures can reach extreme levels during the summer months.

  • Culture and Customs: Remember to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and avoid public displays of affection.

  • Things to do:

    • Enjoy the Beaches: Spend a day at one of Abu Dhabi’s beautiful beaches like the Corniche Beach, Yas Beach, or Saadiyat Island Beach.

  • Dress Code:

  • Local Culture: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Abu Dhabi. This means covering your shoulders and knees for women and men.

  • Respect for Women:

  • Culture and Customs: Avoid pointing at people with your finger, as it is considered rude. It’s best to use an open hand when gesturing.

Where to Eat:

  • The Galleria: Enjoy a variety of cuisines in the food court, from Emirati dishes to international fare.
  • Qalat Al Bahrain: Experience the traditional Bahraini cuisine with a view of the island’s beautiful landscapes and architecture.